Jeff Kelly: Everett Voters Should Decide the Future of Our Transit
Olympia changed the rules to cut out voters.
Let’s support public transportation but not transit consolidation.
State lawmakers passed legislation allowing consolidation of Everett Transit with Community Transit and also double the transit sales tax — without a direct public vote. This proposal imposes a financial burden on local families and removes voters from a major decision regarding our locally operated transit system.In late 2021, the Everett City Council directed the City to study consolidating Everett Transit and Community Transit. The study projected that consolidation could generate additional revenue and expand transit services. However, that revenue would not come from consolidation; the projections assume that Everett’s transit sales tax would double from 0.6% to 1.2%.
Because the public-engagement phase was never completed, the study did not determine whether Everett residents supported consolidation and a higher sales tax.
At the time of the study, consolidation required voter approval. In 2025, a bill in Olympia (ESSB 5801) created an alternative process that allows a city and a public transportation benefit area to approve annexation through an interlocal agreement.
Our state representative Julio Cortes, who also works full time for the city of Everett, voted in Olympia to bypass a direct vote of the people on transit and sales tax increases.
Everett and Community Transit have resumed consolidation discussions under this new law. If consolidation is approved, Everett would cease operating its own transit system, transfer its transit assets to Community Transit, and be subject to Community Transit’s higher sales tax rate.
Trapped
Prices are higher than ever. Rising costs for gas, groceries and other essentials are putting stress on people. Proposing a transit sales tax increase under current conditions is an example of how our current leadership is out of touch with today's cost of living. The transit consolidation proposal would raise the city sales tax from the current 9.9% to 10.5%. Here is the tax increase trap: One tax increase here, another there, and these things add up.
Yes on Transit
This article is not an anti-tax rant; rather, it addresses the potential for adding more economic pressure on a community that values its residents. Everett has had its own bus system for decades, and I've used it since I was a kid.
I understand how public transportation can ease traffic congestion and provide essential services to those who cannot afford or are unable to drive. Buses transport people to work, shopping, appointments and schools — places that are integral to our community's fabric.
Bad Vote
Rep. Cortes was wrong to vote on removing voters from a significant local decision. The consolidation is a big deal that would dissolve Everett’s longtime, locally operated transit system and, at the same time, double the transit sales tax rate.
Our current representative's vote on this matter undermines “the will of the voters,” effectively removing us as a potential barrier to another tax increase, which we cannot afford.
Everett residents deserve a direct vote on the future of Everett Transit and any resulting sales tax increase. In the meantime, please join me in saying “No” to the transit consolidation proposal.
Jeff Kelly is a candidate for Washington State House of Representatives in the 38th District. (Everett, Marysville & Tulalip.)